Normandy combines a striking coastline — chalk cliffs, historic seaside resorts — with a hillier interior than most people expect, between royal forests and unexpected granite terrain. A cool oceanic climate keeps riding comfortable even at the height of summer, unlike the more southern terrain elsewhere in the catalogue.
1. The Côte d’Albâtre by bike, from Étretat
A coastal road that alternates short climbs with open views over the English Channel, between chalk cliffs carved into striking arches and needles. The “valleuses” — dry valleys running perpendicular to the coast — force a string of drops and climbs that push the cumulative elevation to 600 m over 40 km.
2. Gravel in Suisse Normande, from Clécy
Unusually rugged granite terrain for the region, with gorges that have built this area’s reputation among rock climbers for a century. Expect around 50 km and 500 m of climbing, in an oceanic climate cooler than the south that keeps riding comfortable even in summer.
3. Mountain biking in the Lyons forest
One of the largest beech forests in France, with a hilly relief unusual for Normandy, around the picturesque village of Lyons-la-Forêt, listed among France’s “most beautiful villages”. A 30 km route with 350 m of climbing that alternates short climbs and fast descents under a dense canopy.
4. The Côte Fleurie for families, from Deauville
The relaxed counterpoint on this list: a 25 km loop between Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer and Villerville, on cycle paths running right along the seafront. Accessible from a young age, with Deauville’s boardwalk and Trouville’s sand as the backdrop.
Planning the trip
Seine-Maritime (Étretat) and the Eure (Lyons forest) pair well for a trip centred on the north of the region. Calvados (Deauville) and the Orne (Suisse Normande), further southwest, form a second hub combining coast and countryside, under an hour’s drive apart.
